Many foodies (and food writers) know that the best restaurants often cut their teeth at local farmer’s markets. These beloved mainstays are proving grounds for culinary innovators, driven by passion over profit. An absolute favorite of the Trenton Farmer’s Market is preparing to translate its accumulated experience into a sure-to-be-favorite brick and mortar. Lady and the Shallot, a plant-forward concept that makes even carnivores forget about meat, is opening its first permanent solo venture, reports local media outlet WPST.
The popular concept will be opening as part of Campus Town at TCNJ, located on Route 31 in Ewing. Owners Francesca Avitto and Kate Wnek spoke to What Now Philadelphia about the appeal of the region, stating: “Coming from a market, where community was at the forefront, we wanted to be in a place surrounded by other small businesses. We simply love the community aspect.”
Additionally, the local university community will provide Lady and the Shallot with wonderful new opportunities to feed a young and enthusiastic crowd. The owners explain: “It was also such a draw to be by a college, surrounded by this younger generation who are health conscious, aware of the vegan movement, the planet and compassionate when it comes to what they eat and how they live their lives. Many of these students are currently customers of ours and have expressed the need for food like ours, right outside their door!”
Additionally, this new home will allow Lady and the Shallot’s ardent fans to continue enjoying the eatery’s fare. Avitto and Wnek say: “it’s so conveniently located minutes from our current location, a little closer to Princeton, Lawrenceville and just about the same distance from over the bridge in Bucks County and the State Buildings in downtown Trenton – all where many of our customers come from.”
While the duo think fondly of their time at the Trenton Farmer’s market the pair recognize the need to grow. They state: “This has been a dream of ours as far back as when we started as Private Chefs. Although we have loved our time at the Trenton Farmer’s Market, we just felt the need to grow our business. As well, as our menu began to grow and our flavors and ideas began to evolve, we began to view our business differently. While our business model is considered fast casual, we also wanted to incorporate a fancier feel and in a space that we could make more of our own.”
Avitto and Wnek want their first brick and mortar to be an oasis for their customers, and perhaps a welcoming gateway into the world of plant-based eating: “We want our warm colored walls, live plants and cozy surroundings to give our customers some solace in their hectic days, while also enjoying a clean and healthy, flavorful meal.” they say. “Our food has always been appealing to not only vegans but anyone who just enjoys food! Our plant forward dishes make it inviting for anyone to try. We want our customers to experience ‘Culinary Wellness’. This is a term commonly associated with our food – elevated dishes that while they may warm the soul and please the palate, will also contribute to your health.”
While much of Lady and the Shallot’s menu will remain unchanged, old and new fans alike can look forward to some exciting new options. Avitto and Wnek detail what lies in store, saying: “We will be adding a new ‘Small Plates’ menu with some fun new items. We will be adding a few new salads, new bowls and handhelds. And some of our Specials that have become customer favorites will now be on our every day menu.”
And for new customers uncertain where to dip their toes in Lady and the Shallot’s menu? Avitto and Wneck have you covered. The pair offer this guidance: “We are known for The Rainbow – which is smashed avocado, roasted corn, roasted chickpeas, tomatoes. red cabbage and topped with our most popular sauce, our Lemon Caper Aioli! Rainbow Tacos are our biggest seller since day one, and this week is our 7 year anniversary! Besides The Rainbow Tacos, two other Award winning dishes to try would be our three bean Chili and Ricotta Toast! We sell more Chili than most items on a daily basis and the Ricotta Toast is a rotating special that will now be on the everyday menu!”
Lady and the Shallot’s grand opening is still a few months out; however, with Wnek and Avitto’s commitment to creating a warm environment alongside delicious food, the restaurant is certain to become a community favorite. As the pair succinctly put it: “At the end of the day, we love making people happy, and that’s our goal and dream, to make our customers happy.”
